The Different Types of RVs

When you think about RVs, you likely have a certain sort of RV in mind. Perhaps you think of the traditional class C that so many people choose to rent while out on vacation, or maybe it’s the large bus-like class A motorhome that comes to mind.

No matter which type of RV you tend to think of first, you might want to remember that there are many other types of RVs out there. This information becomes especially important when you begin shopping for an RV and are trying to decide which RV type would be best for you.

Of course, in order to find the perfect type of RV for you and your travel style, you first need to know what the different RV types are. In this article, we will discuss each of the many types of RVs out there to help you get a better handle on the pros and cons of each so you can start your RV shopping journey with confidence. 

Class A Motorhome

As mentioned above, the class A motorhome looks very much like a bus. Some people refer to this type of motorhome as a coach, and it is usually what you’ll see music artists traveling in when on tour. 

Class A RVs are generally the biggest of the drivable RVs on the market, and also tend to be the most well made and most luxurious options available. For this reason, you can expect to pay more for a class A than you would for other types of RVs. That said, we believe class A motorhomes are totally worth the cost, especially if you plan to travel for long periods of time. 

The drawbacks of a class A? Well for one thing, these coaches are not usually very well laid out for families with children, and the rigs that do have bunk beds don’t offer much in the way of privacy. Additionally, the costs for RV maintenance on a class A can be high, particularly if you cover many miles.

Class B Motorhome

Also known as a campervan, the class B is the smallest of the drivable RVs. These little rigs are small enough to fit into a traditional parking spot, making them ideal for those who like to drive into tight spaces. They also tend to do better on rough roads than other types of motorhomes, meaning they are awesome for boondocking. 

Class A is the largest drivable RV, while Class B is the smallest.

Most factory-made class B RVs include all of the usual amenities you’d find in an RV, with the exception of an onboard bathroom, which some models do not include. These campervans don’t have slides, but some do have tent-like pop-outs on the top (and a very small handful have even included them on the sides in the past) to make more room.

The cons of a class B motorhome are all related to size. Most class Bs only sleep two people (though vans that sleep three or four are available) and they really don’t offer much in the way of storage space. Floor space is non-existent in these rigs, and depending on the van, taller people may or may not be able to stand up inside. 

Class C Motorhome

Next up is the class C motorhome. This RV type looks a lot like a moving truck with a bunk or storage space that juts out over the cab area. The class C is the most common type of rental RV and is what many people think of when they think of a traditional RV road trip. 

In terms of size, the class C is a nice middle ground between the class B and the class A. No, you won’t fit a class C RV into a traditional parking space, but most class Cs are smaller than class A RVs. They also drive more like a van or truck than a class A does, meaning many people feel more comfortable behind the wheel of a class C.

Class C RVs can have slide-outs and can sleep a surprising number of people (sometimes 10 or more, depending on the floor plan). Thanks to the traditional cab-over bunks and their tendency to have a stationary bed in the back, these are the best of the drivable RVs for families, but the bunk models do still lack separation between sleeping spaces.

Maintenance on class C RVs tends to be a bit less expensive than maintenance on class A RVs, which is a major bonus. 

Super C Motorhome

In addition to the usual class C, which sits on a van chassis, there is also the Super C. This type of RV is larger and more luxurious than a traditional class C, and it sits on a semi chassis. It’s best for those who plan to use their RV full time, as it is quite pricey. 

There’s a great variety of travel trailers for you to choose from!

Travel Trailer

The travel trailer is the next RV on our list. Many people refer to this type of RV as a bumper-pull because you pull it behind the bumper of your truck or SUV. Travel trailers tend to be among the least expensive RVs on the market, making them a good choice for weekenders and those who plan to vacation on occasion.

That said, these RVs tend to be made with lower quality materials (hence the lower price point), so you do want to take good care of them. Additionally, bumper pull trailers are almost always lighter than fifth wheels (which we will discuss more below). This makes them ideal for those who want to pull their camper behind a smaller truck or SUV. 

We appreciate that travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes, meaning you can buy one that best suits your needs. There is the usual hard-sided bumper-pull that can be found in lengths from 13 feet to 40 feet or more, but there are also all of the following types of travel trailers to choose from:

• Pop-Up Camper — Part tent, part travel trailer, a pop-up camper is super lightweight and very affordable. 
• Hybrid Camper — A cross between a pop-up and a hard-sided trailer, this is a good compromise for those who can’t choose. 
• A-Frame Camper — Like the pop-up camper, an A-frame camper folds down flat for easy travel and then pops up for use when camping. 

Fifth Wheel

Another kind of RV trailer is the fifth wheel. These are the trailers that hitch up in the bed of the truck, making them easier to tow and providing more living space without adding to the overall length of your setup. 

Fifth wheels are bigger and heavier than travel trailers, meaning you will need a large truck to tow one. They also tend to be higher quality (though there are exceptions to this rule) and are more expensive. For these reasons, we feel fifth wheels are best for those who will camp for longer periods of time, or for full time RVers who are either stationary or traveling full time. 

Because these RVs are quite large, they are perfect for bigger families or large groups who like to camp together. There are a number of different floor plans available, making it easy to choose the perfect fifth wheel for you. 

Truck Camper

Last on our list is the truck camper. This is neither a towable nor a driveable. Instead, this RV type slides into the bed of your truck, using that space as a living space while you’re out camping. Truck campers can be used on or off of the truck bed, so if you want to leave your camper behind while you go out exploring, that is totally possible.

Believe it or not, there are truck campers with slides available, and even these super compact RVs manage to squeeze in the usual kitchen, bathroom, bed, and couch or dining space. Still, all truck campers—even those with slides—are quite tiny and are best for solo travelers, couples, or the occasional weekend trip with a kid or two. 

Obviously, size is the biggest drawback with this type of RV. However, we do like that a truck camper can go anywhere your truck can, and the minimal amount of required maintenance is fantastic!

Conclusion

With all the different types of RVs available, with a little research you will find one that will fit your needs. It is always a good idea to do your research, look at all the options and then make your decision.

If you are in the market to buy an RV  make sure to check out our inventory.  We have every class or type of RV available!